And I know that people usually say "Happy Veteran's Day" but to me, that just doesn't seem to fit. We say, "Happy Easter!" and "Happy Thanksgiving!" because those are days to wish happiness to your loved ones. Not to say you can't be happy on this day as well, but to me, the feeling is much more deep and somber.
Bless the veterans of our nation. Bless their families and their friends. I wish them peace and refuge from the battles they have faced. So while I wish them happiness as well, today I express my gratitude for them, and the sacrifices they made and continue to make in defending liberty. Today I feel like passing on the blessing of veterans, the feeling of humility I had as I stood in front of a giant stone pillar listing names of lost soldiers, and the deep sense of gratitude within me for these men and women.
This column houses a small chapel/meditation area for visitors. It stands just inside the gates to the cemetery and is the very first thing to meet your eyes. As Ray and I passed over the threshold, into the cemetery and read these words, our eyes filled with tears. The cemetery is one of the more spiritual, profound places I have visited in my life.
"All who shall hereafter live in freedom will be here reminded that to these men and their comrades we owe a debt to be paid with grateful remembrance of their sacrifice and with the high resolve that the cause for which they died shall live eternally." -Dwight D. Eisenhower at the dedication of the Luxembourg American Military Cemetery
Today I learned the meaning of Veteran's Day.
